Help Recommend a Modem/Router or Wifi Extender?

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Help Recommend a Modem/Router or Wifi Extender?

Xplaya

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#179451 9-Sep-2015 09:25

At the moment we have a stock Spark ADSL modem/router

But the wifi doesnt reach all areas, there is a outside sleepout we also want it to reach to.

We are deciding between getting a wifi extender (But i have never used one before) or a better modem? Dont know which way to go?

Any recommendations on what to do?

timmmay

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#1383249 9-Sep-2015 09:46

TPLink is a good brand - Google chose them for it's new super modem. You're constrained somewhat by the devices - you can have a super powerful transmitter but if your iPhone can't transmit with enough power to reach it that doesn't help.

For the sleepout you should consider powerline networking and a cheap access point. It doesn't work well in all houses so buy from somewhere with a good return policy. There are plenty of threads about powerline that can recommend brands.

jonathan18

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#1383272 9-Sep-2015 10:45

timmmay: ... For the sleepout you should consider powerline networking and a cheap access point. It doesn't work well in all houses so buy from somewhere with a good return policy. There are plenty of threads about powerline that can recommend brands.

... or alternatively just buy a pair of powerline adapters s/h off TM; if they work, you've saved money over buying new, but if they don't work for you you'll not lose much at all selling them on.

Just be mindful powerline adapters come with different capabilities regarding maximum speed, with the cheapest typically relatively slow.

Will powerline adapters usually work between a main building and an external dwelling? I'm assuming it'll depend on how the wiring to the external dwelling is done (eg, I'm assuming it won't work if the second dwelling has a a separate board with its own meters?). If they don't work you always have the option of taking an actual ethernet cable between the two buildings (I'm assuming this could be buried, but would it need trunking?).

nakedmolerat

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#1383275 9-Sep-2015 10:50

I highly recommend Netcomm NP507 powerline networking.

Xplaya

62 posts

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#1383280 9-Sep-2015 11:03

Thanks guys. So would i be right, that i would need to still need add a wireless router to the powerline adaptor so i can get wifi outside the house? I had a quick look and noticed the wireless extenders? Are they not the same? runs over powerline but instead of ethernet out, it has wireless out? or are they unreliable

Xplaya

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#1383281 9-Sep-2015 11:04

oh and the prices that are online stores, they are usually for a pair? or do i need to buy 2

jonathan18

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#1383286 9-Sep-2015 11:10

Xplaya: Thanks guys. So would i be right, that i would need to still need add a wireless router to the powerline adaptor so i can get wifi outside the house? I had a quick look and noticed the wireless extenders? Are they not the same? runs over powerline but instead of ethernet out, it has wireless out? or are they not recommended

One of the powerline adapters would go in a power plug near your main router, and be connected to the router via ethernet. At the other end (in your external dwelling), you would connect the other power line adapter to a router, and amend that router so it essentially operates as an access point - typically only takes a few minutes to do this and there are lots of instructions on the net as to how to do this (give it a fixed IP address on the same subnet; disable DHCP so only one router is handing out IP addresses; set the wifi channel used so it doesn't interfere with the other router; typically use the same SSID (wireless name) and password as the main router so devices will automatically connect to either and transfer as necessary). I'd imagine many/most routers can function this way, but it would be worth checking with the specific model before you say purchase one for this purpose (Ilve just always used spare routers hanging around the house for this purpose - only last month I set up a spare Vodafone-supplied Huawei router as an AP for the 'dead' end of our house).

My understanding is wireless extenders will halve your speed (as it has to transmit and receive), so are not the way to go, but there are experts on this forum who can confirm this.

jonathan18

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#1383288 9-Sep-2015 11:11

Xplaya: oh and the prices that are online stores, they are usually for a pair? or do i need to buy 2

They'll usually be in pairs, though I think you can add single units to provide additional coverage if needed.

Check out Pricespy - it lists the number of units - http://pricespy.co.nz/category.php?k=1135

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Xplaya

62 posts

Master Geek

#1383302 9-Sep-2015 11:27

jonathan18:
Xplaya: Thanks guys. So would i be right, that i would need to still need add a wireless router to the powerline adaptor so i can get wifi outside the house? I had a quick look and noticed the wireless extenders? Are they not the same? runs over powerline but instead of ethernet out, it has wireless out? or are they not recommended

One of the powerline adapters would go in a power plug near your main router, and be connected to the router via ethernet. At the other end (in your external dwelling), you would connect the other power line adapter to a router, and amend that router so it essentially operates as an access point - typically only takes a few minutes to do this and there are lots of instructions on the net as to how to do this (give it a fixed IP address on the same subnet; disable DHCP so only one router is handing out IP addresses; set the wifi channel used so it doesn't interfere with the other router; typically use the same SSID (wireless name) and password as the main router so devices will automatically connect to either and transfer as necessary). I'd imagine many/most routers can function this way, but it would be worth checking with the specific model before you say purchase one for this purpose (Ilve just always used spare routers hanging around the house for this purpose - only last month I set up a spare Vodafone-supplied Huawei router as an AP for the 'dead' end of our house).

Thanks , we have other old wireless modems, like 3 spark thomsons hopefully i can turn 1 of them into a access point.

jonathan18: My understanding is wireless extenders will halve your speed (as it has to transmit and receive), so are not the way to go, but there are experts on this forum who can confirm this.

I was reading about that to, but read dual bandextenders do not, 1 for transmit and 1 for receive ? Hoepfully some1 that has experienced with one can help recommend or not

littleheaven

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#1383432 9-Sep-2015 13:54

My powerline adapter has a wireless broadcaster in one unit, so it transmits its own network. http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=NETNCM0508&name=NetComm-NP508-500Mbps-Powerline-Kit--with-Dual-Ban I have it at my parents' house, because their wi-fi doesn't cover the end where my son's room is when he visits. Works great.

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raytaylor

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#1383441 9-Sep-2015 14:05

timmmay:
For the sleepout you should consider powerline networking and a cheap access point. It doesn't work well in all houses so buy from somewhere with a good return policy. There are plenty of threads about powerline that can recommend brands.

TPLink now make a product that comes as a powerline networking kit. One of the units has a built in wifi access point. RRP is about $150 i believe.

They are perfect for sleep-outs and detached granny flats where the power source comes back via the fuseboard on the main house.

Ray Taylor

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#1383481 9-Sep-2015 15:11

raytaylor: ... TPLink now make a product that comes as a powerline networking kit. One of the units has a built in wifi access point. RRP is about $150 i believe.

They are perfect for sleep-outs and detached granny flats where the power source comes back via the fuseboard on the main house.

Sound great.

I found this: TP-LINK WiFi Powerline TL-WPA4220KIT and TL-WPA281KIT V3

... but how do I find a version with an AU/NZ power plug?

Sideface

littleheaven

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#1383540 9-Sep-2015 17:08

Sideface:
raytaylor: ... TPLink now make a product that comes as a powerline networking kit. One of the units has a built in wifi access point. RRP is about $150 i believe.

They are perfect for sleep-outs and detached granny flats where the power source comes back via the fuseboard on the main house.

Sound great.

I found this: TP-LINK WiFi Powerline TL-WPA4220KIT and TL-WPA281KIT V3

... but how do I find a version with an AU/NZ power plug?

PB Tech have the first one: http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=NETTPL0422&name=TP-LINK-TL-WPA4220KIT-ADVANCED-300Mbps-Universal-W

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

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#1384587 9-Sep-2015 19:36

littleheaven: ... PB Tech have the first one: http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=NETTPL0422&name=TP-LINK-TL-WPA4220KIT-ADVANCED-300Mbps-Universal-W

Bingo!
Thank you

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Yabanize

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#1384687 9-Sep-2015 23:46

GlobalPC also have those TP link powerline that have a built in wifi ap

1101

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#1384771 10-Sep-2015 09:37

I'd recommend a powerline kit.
Ive installed a few of the powerline kits, they are usually the best (cheap) option where network cable isnt viable. Get the ones with wifi , costs more but worth it.
Ive never had much success with repeaters or boosters .

As to speed issue with some powerline kits, that some have commented on, pfft who cares. In the real world they are still faster than 90% of the internet connections out there.
Ive only tried powerline kits on 2 separate detached unit/sleepout/office . 1 Worked perfectly, the other not at all (sleepout must be on the same power circuit)